Roles

• According to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net), a data operator verifies data and prepares materials for print. The job requires some editing skills. He double checks data accuracy before it is officially entered. He compares data with other documents. He may also re-enter data to verify and detect errors. Upon discovering an error, he reports it to the supervisor. He may enter information, such as canceled checks, sales reports and bills by using scanners. He maintains a log of his activities.
  
  

Education and Training

• Data operators are typically hired freshly out of high school and receive on-the-job training, according to the BLS. Employees may take courses in high schools, community colleges, temporary help agencies, business schools or self-teaching aids to learn about office computer programs. According to CollegeBoard.com, a nonprofit membership association that connects students to college opportunities, students may receive an associate's degree in data entry.
  
  

Salary

• According to a BLS May 2008 report, a data entry keyer earned a national average rate of $13.04 per hour and an average salary of $27,110. The national median salary ranged from below $17,920 to above $38,330. The BLS reported that in 2008, the highest number of data entry keyers worked in the employment services industry which is a part of administrative and support services. This industry offered an average salary of $25,130. Other industries that hired large numbers of data entry keyers included data processing, hosting and related services; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services; insurance carriers; and management of companies and enterprises.
  
  

Environment

• Technology allows for data operators to telecommute, so that they can have the option to work from home, according to the BLS. Otherwise, data operators work standard workdays in a typical office environment that is clean, well-lit and comfortable.
  
  

Outlook

• According to the BLS, employment for these workers were projected to decline moderately at a rate of 6 percent from 2008 to 2018. Because of improved technologies, there will be less need for data operators. However, job openings will be numerous because the occupation is large. Workers who transfer to other careers will produce the most job openings. Those who possess solid technical skills will have the most opportunities.